Deputy President William Ruto on Sunday, June 6, promised to construct rent-to-own homes which would see the youth become landlords by paying as little as Ksh5,000 rent.
Speaking during a rally in Uthiru, Kiambu County, Ruto stated that he had identified developers who would construct affordable units which Kenyans would mortgage and service through the monthly rent.
He added that, unlike the conventional mortgage which required Kenyans to access loans from banks, the cost of the house would be met in full through rent paid over a period of time.
"We will partner with home developers so that they construct houses which are cost-friendly for the youth. That way the tenant who pays rent between Ksh5,000 and Ksh10,000, the money will be converted to a mortgage.
"After about 10 to 15 years, the house will be under your name because we want to have a programme where the youth can own homes across the country," Ruto explained.
The DP opined that the time had come to break the deadlock where owning homes was a preserve for the elderly and affluent in society. He vowed to revamp jua kali into a fully-functioning manufacturing industry.
The UDA presidential candidate was accompanied by his running mate and Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua who drummed up support for the party leader while asking the residents to reject Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga in the August 9 polls.
Gachagua, while addressing the security detail in the rally, reiterated a promise that the Ruto government would address some of the police officers' needs. However, he remarked that in return, the officers should be kind to the people.
"We want to add their salaries and allowances so that they too can go to school, get degrees and secure jobs. But they should be fair such that while we increase their pay, they should allow the people to freely carry out their businesses," he noted.
"We see to it that when if a police officer finds you at night, they should put you into their vehicle. However, they should not take you to the station but to your home," the MP added.
Ruto's allies downplayed Odinga's clearance to vie for the presidency by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). They promised to hand the former Premier a proper political battle for the next 60 days.
While receiving clearance from IEBC on June 4, the DP asked the commission to ensure that the electoral process was free, fair and verifiable. On the other hand, he asked his supporters to do everything to protect it from unnecessary sideshows.
